Rooms, flatshares, bed & breakfasts, holiday rentals

Lisbon never sleeps! You can find an open bar or shop at any time, day or night, which will welcome you in with open arms. The vast number of monuments and attractions to discover makes for a fantastic short break in Portugal’s finest city. Not sure where to start? Roomlala has prepared a quick itinerary for any traveller who wants to make the best of what is on offer in the Portuguese capital.
Day 1: the mythical district of Alfama
If you want to dive straight into the local culture, get yourself to the Alfama via the famous tram 28 – a highlight for many visitors! The Alfama quarter is the birthplace of fado, Portugal’s much celebrated music style: you will find enough places to get acquainted with it if you’re a fan! Take a stroll around this historic region of the city to truly appreciate the richly coloured architecture. From there, head to the Castelo de Sao Jorge for a relaxing wander around the gardens. For the evening, turn to the Baixa quarter or the river Tagus...

Investing in property – particularly buy-to-let – is a popular choice for both landlords and people who want a nest egg or money-earner on the side. It is, however, important to remember that it must be viable to let the property. In order to make the most out of your property, it is vital that you choose a dynamic market where there is enough demand for your type of property. This article outlines 5 British cities which are attractive options where the rental market is thriving. Remember – research any area yourself before deciding to buy!
Birmingham: The Second City
Birmingham is a great investment potential – a period of growth nicknamed the ‘Brummy Bounce’ has made it an attractive option, with PwC naming it the 6th best city for investment in Europe. There is great potential for student housing in areas like Selly Oak – near the University of Birmingham campus – and the Perry Barr area near the Birmingham City campus and Villa Park. Transport links to London and major cities are superb, and the tech industry and plethora of employment...

Sheffield is a Northern city with its heart in steel production, but in the 21st century there’s a lot more to it than that. Students coming to study in Sheffield at the University of Sheffield or Sheffield Hallam University all have a great time getting to know the city and all it has to offer. The two universities have a combined student population of over 60,000. As England’s 4th largest city, Sheffield is a great choice for students who want all the benefits of living in a big city which is cheaper and safer than many other UK cities.
Sheffield – the perfect student city?
Named as the UK’s first National City of Sport – as home to Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, the World Snooker Championships and Olympic standard venues, it’s no surprise. There’s even a dedicated site to sport in Sheffield to find out how to get involved. It’s also great for lovers of the outdoors, with over 50 public parks and gardens, and is a mere 20 minute bus ride to the...

Only 2 and half hours away from London by plane, Madrid is an attractive option for many UK holidaymakers. A visit to the Spanish capital will introduce you to a world of gastronomy, vibrancy, culture and fascinating museums. A 3 day stay in Madrid is the ideal break to get away from the real world and discover this charming, historic city.
Day 1: Paseo del Prado
The Prado Museum in Madrid is one of the largest in the world and is an absolute must-see for any tourist, not just museum lovers. You can see some of the greatest works by Spanish artists, some dating back to the 15th century. If art is not your thing, the atmosphere in the surrounding area is an experience in itself and it is worth taking a whole day to explore and soak it all up. Culture fans will enjoy the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, which boasts works by Picasso, Dali and Miro. Finish the day by heading to the plaza Mayor to discover the numerous tapas bars serving exquisite local...

Edmonton, the capital of the province of Alberta in western Canada, might not be the first place you think of when you think of Canadian cities. It is the northernmost in North America to have a population over 1 million, and is nicknamed ‘Canada’s Festival City’, thanks – unsurprisingly - to its year round festivals. Although it i is cold during Canada’s long winters, Edmonton actually has the most sunny days of any Canadian city during the summer! Home to 6 main universities and colleges, including the University of Alberta, MacEwan University and Concordia University of Edmonton, there is a sizeable student population. It’s also incredibly cheap to live in compared to other Canadian cities, which proves to be a bonus for students!
What to do
As ‘Canada’s Festival City’, there’s almost certainly something on at all times of year! Whether it’s the Canadian Food Championships, the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival or the Edmonton Fringe Festival, there’s truly something for everyone. The Alberta Legislature building is worth a visit, but the real draw of the...

Among the many types of accommodation on offer for students, flatsharing and housesharing is one of the most practical, and most popular. Affordable on a tight budget, it’s also perfect for meeting new people and strengthening friendships. Some groups prefer a house, while others prefer a flat. Here is a couple of things to think about when choosing which way to go.
Flatsharing: the pros and cons
Flatsharing is a booming sector, and subsequently there is a lot on offer in large cities, particularly in London. This means that you might be able to be a bit choosier in your selection. If you want to find a place close to the centre of town, a flatshare is much easier to find as most houses tend to be further out. Once you are moved into your apartment, it is important to ensure everyone has their own space and that the shared communal spaces are kept available to all – living room, kitchen, bathrooms…
Overcrowding can be more of a problem in a flat or apartment than in a house. Often, there...